I’m very excited to post these pictures! These were taken near one of my friend’s houses, by an old abandoned barn. To keep alive the old-fashioned American feel of the surroundings, I went for a prairie-inspired look: a little bit of civilized primness melded with practicality and hints of adventure. In putting together this ensemble, I began to create a loose character sketch. Each item of clothing represents an aspect of this imaginary girl’s life. The billowy white blouse sets the stage for a hot blazing day (as does the shady brimmed hat); the long skirt demonstrates the feminine regard towards women during the American pioneer age; the exotic turquoise jewelry and woven belt show a peaceful trading commerce with the local Native American tribe.
Whist conducting this shoot, I marveled at the hidden splendor of this crumbling building. I’ve always been fascinated by abandoned architecture. There’s something mysterious and thrilling and often magical about a place that’s been left for dead (that’s what abandoned basically is, isn’t it?). Your mind becomes peppered with innumerable questions: Who lived here last? What did they do? Why did they leave?
Similarly, I often find myself asking if not the exact same questions when contemplating a piece of vintage clothing. One can’t help but wonder the long trailing story behind the garment they hold in their hand today.
Mwah! Mwah!
~Hope Adela